What Does a Cybersecurity Professional Do?

Cybersecurity professionals are trained to find weaknesses in in databases, networks, hardware, firewalls, and encryption. The number one priority of a cybersecurity professional is to prevent attacks by ‘fixing’ potential issues before they are exploited by malicious users. Additionally, cybersecurity specialists will handle clean up after cyber attacks and security breaches.

Sometimes referred to as information security engineers, cybersecurity technicians, or security analysts, they are part construction manager, part doorman, part detective, and part undercover police officer. They are the unsung heroes of the stability of the internet!

Where Do Cybersecurity Professionals Work?

As of 2019, most cybersecurity jobs are located in and around Washington D.C., where analysts work for the Federal government protecting very sensitive data1.

In the private sector, most cybersecurity technicians double as network analysts, because both are so closely related.

Cybersecurity Jobs – A Day in the life

The experience to understand the difference between general network traffic and a cyber attack is one of the most important skills cybersecurity professionals can acquire. Cyber attacks will often creep in with the rest of the traffic.

Unless there are major attacks detected, the job of a cybersecurity professional is a regular 9 to 5. Most days are split between monitoring traffic, writing reports, planning for future upgrades, and finding potential risks. A cybersecurity professional’s job is to stay ahead of the attackers.

The Biggest Threats to A Cyber Security Professional

There has been no shortage of data breaches in recent years. We are quick to forget, but almost 143 million Americans have had their data compromised in data breaches from Equifax, Target, and Ashley Madison just to name a few1. This includes financial information, social security numbers, and other sensitive data. All stolen.

Ransomware became the next big threat in the cybersecurity industry. Hackers would install malicious software and demand payment to return control to the rightful owners. The worst part is that it worked, and many hospitals paid high ransoms to unknown attackers3.

Are Cybersecurity Professionals Blamed for Hacks?

Much like any job, they may take blame for mistakes if it can be proved that the cybersecurity professional’s job was to secure something that was not secure, especially if they were negligent or let an obvious error take place. However, most companies are not quick to blame the professionals that are maintaining the sanctity of their web properties.

Cybersecurity Training

Cybersecurity jobs are in high demand, and this niche part of the tech industry is expanding. Cyber security and network technician programs will only continue to grow as the influence of the internet increases all over the world. If you want to take the next step and study to become a cybersecurity pro, contact us here: (305) 783-3599.